Nokia Deal Complicates Picture for Microsoft’s Asian Partners

Microsoft Corp.’s acquisition of Nokia Corp.’s devices business further complicates the relationship between the U.S. software giant and its hardware partners in Asia, including Samsung Electronics Co.

“This acquisition creates a lot of uncertainty for hardware vendors working with Microsoft,” said Canalys analyst Rachel Lashford. Microsoft’s ability to leverage Nokia’s hardware sales channel could be threatening to other hardware partners, she said.

The deal also has huge potential to affect other players in the industry, including Samsung, the world’s largest smartphone vendor that also makes Windows-based laptop computers.

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